3D scanning in scoliosis

Overview

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine which also affects surrounding structures such as the rib cage.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is the development of a scoliotic curve in otherwise healthy adolescents. Teenagers with this condition undergo x-ray monitoring of their condition every 4-12 months for many years, which can have dramatic effects on their long-term cancer risk.

In scoliosis, we believe there is a strong correlation between the externally visible anatomy of the torso and the internal anatomy of the spine and rib cage.

Modern non-invasive non-irradiating techniques present new possibilities for developing monitoring techniques. 3D non-contact surface scanning is one such technique that allows the user to capture a full 3D model of the external surface of a person or object.

Research activities

Your involvement as part of this research will include:

• performing a series of 3D scans of patients in the spine clinic at Queensland Children's Hospital
  • this depends on availability of other operators and your suitability
• processing of 3D scans to generate 3D models
• development and validation of 3D analysis techniques to monitor for change in torso anatomy.

Outcomes

We expect this work will result in a form of publication.

Skills and experience

Experience with any 3D CAD or modelling software would be beneficial.

MATLAB is not necessary but would be ideal.

Scholarships

You may be able to apply for a research scholarship in our annual scholarship round.

Annual scholarship round

Keywords

• 3D scanning
• 3D modelling
• clinical
• Spine curvature
• Scoliosis

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.